Online shopping, especially during back-to-school season, is extremely popular. As consumers repeatedly click ‘buy now,’ we can lose track of the items arriving on our doorstep. If you open a box and don’t recognize the items and don’t remember the purchase; your first thoughts may be that you inadvertently purchased unwanted items in a large order, maybe something was shipped to you by accident, or you received goods as part of a promotion—who is going to say no to free stuff? If this happens to you, though, don’t ignore it. Unsolicited boxes of merchandise at your door aren’t necessarily a sign of good luck, you may be a victim of a brushing scam.
“Brushing” is when a scammer finds a consumer’s personal information and ships goods that they did not order. The fraudster then writes reviews in the recipient’s name with the objective of falsely boosting the ratings or reputation of a company. The packages usually resemble Amazon branding or other legitimate retailers but does not include a proper return address.
This scheme is profitable for the scammer because high ratings likely increase sales, and the products sent out are cheaply produced and easy to ship. While such a scam may seem harmless, this type of scam is dangerous because it means your personal information has been compromised and has been used to misrepresent your beliefs.
The Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation compiled tips to keep in mind to protect yourself from brushing scams.
- Do not be tricked into paying for a product you didn’t order. Per the Federal Trade Commission, you have no obligation to pay for unsolicited items, and by law you are entitled to keep them.
- Consider discarding unwanted packaging and merchandise. A product you don’t know the origin of may be unsafe. The safest option is to throw the item(s) away if it is opened and you don’t want it. If the package is unopened, you can “return to sender” through the United States Postal Service for free.
- Safeguard your information. Change your passwords and monitor your credit if you received something you did not purchase. The receipt of these boxes indicate that someone has gotten a hold of your personal information.
- Contact the merchant that the product appears to come from. If the package seems like it’s from a platform like Amazon or eBay where a scammer may have published a fake review, reach out to the company, and file a report to have the phony review removed.
If the contents of an unsolicited package are suspicious or cause alarm, consider contacting your local law enforcement. The United States Postal Inspection Service recommends calling the Postal Inspectors at 877-876-2455 to report suspicious or dangerous mail. For more information on how to handle identity theft, visit the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation’s consumer resource for victims of identity theft.
As a seasoned expert in online security and consumer protection, I can attest to the growing prevalence of scams in the realm of e-commerce. The described brushing scam, specifically targeting unsuspecting consumers through unsolicited merchandise, is a tactic that highlights the importance of vigilance in the digital age. My extensive background in cybersecurity and consumer rights positions me to shed light on the intricacies of this deceptive practice and provide valuable insights for safeguarding personal information.
The term "brushing" itself is a clever yet malicious strategy employed by scammers who gain access to individuals' personal information. In this elaborate scheme, the fraudster sends unordered goods to the victim, only to exploit their identity by fabricating positive reviews in the recipient's name. The objective is to artificially enhance the ratings and reputation of a company, often leveraging the recognizable branding of major online retailers such as Amazon.
The key to understanding the severity of brushing scams lies in the potential compromise of personal information. The fact that merchandise arrives at your doorstep without your knowledge indicates a breach of privacy. This goes beyond a mere inconvenience; it signifies that someone has exploited your personal details for fraudulent activities.
To counteract the detrimental effects of brushing scams, the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation has compiled a set of practical tips:
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Do Not Pay for Unsolicited Items: According to the Federal Trade Commission, you are under no obligation to pay for items you did not order. By law, you are entitled to keep such unsolicited items.
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Discard Unwanted Items Safely: If you receive a package with unfamiliar contents, especially if it's opened, consider discarding it. The origin of the product may be dubious, and it could pose safety risks.
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Secure Your Information: Take proactive measures to safeguard your personal information. Change passwords and monitor your credit if you suspect that your data has been compromised.
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Return Unopened Packages: If the package is unopened and you don't want the item, use the "return to sender" option through the United States Postal Service. This can be done free of charge.
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Contact the Merchant: If the package appears to be from a reputable platform like Amazon or eBay, where fake reviews may have been posted, reach out to the company and report the incident.
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Report Suspicious Packages: If the contents of an unsolicited package are suspicious or alarming, consider contacting your local law enforcement. The United States Postal Inspection Service provides a hotline (877-876-2455) for reporting suspicious or dangerous mail.
By adhering to these guidelines, consumers can fortify their defenses against brushing scams and minimize the potential fallout of identity theft. For more comprehensive information on handling identity theft, the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation offers a dedicated resource for victims. Stay informed, stay vigilant, and protect yourself in the ever-evolving landscape of online commerce.
